Amtrak is a passenger railroad service that provides transportation to all four corners of the continental United States and three Canadian providences. Passengers can board Amtrak trains in Jacksonville at Jacksonville Station, located in northwest Jacksonville, off New Kings Road. From there, passengers can access more than 500 destinations all over the United States and Canada.
If you sustained injuries in a Jacksonville, FL Amtrak accident, as a passenger or worker, you may be eligible to hold Amtrak responsible for your injuries and other damages. Here is what you need to know following a Jacksonville, Florida Amtrak accident.
Common Types of Amtrak Accidents
Whether you drive, fly, or ride a train, all types of transportation come with some element of risk. Trains, however, often cross paths with other forms of transportation and lack many of the safety features of cars, such as airbags. Due to their high speeds and limited safety features, train accidents can cause particularly severe injuries.
The most common types of train accidents include:
- Train derailments
- Mechanical error
- Fire or explosion
- Impact with vehicles or pedestrians on the track
- Track obstruction
- Suicides
- Human error
- Collisions with buffer stops
- Collisions with other trains
- Injuries while working on or near a train
If you were injured while riding or working on or near an Amtrak train, you have the right to hold the company responsible if they were negligent. Here are the steps you should take after a Jacksonville, Florida Amtrak accident.
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Steps to Take After an Amtrak Accident
The moments after an accident can be frightening and disorienting. If you experience an Amtrak accident, we recommend taking the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.
- Ensure the safety of all persons involved to the best of your abilities. If possible, help other passengers or workers to safety. Avoid putting yourself in additional danger.
- Call 911 if emergency personnel is not already on the scene.
- Document the scene, if possible, using your cell phone camera. Take video if you are able.
- Get medical care, if needed. Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a doctor. Sometimes shock can make it difficult to feel pain.
- Document your injuries, including cuts, bruises, broken bones, and so forth.
- Contact an Amtrak accident attorney for advice about your legal options. Do not sign any papers from Amtrak or their insurance company or accept any payout offers before speaking with an attorney.
Damages You May Recover Following an Amtrak Accident
The damages you may be eligible to recover after an Amtrak accident will depend on a wide range of factors, including the severity of your injuries, whether you were working or a passenger, and the cause of the accident. However, there are common types of damages you can expect to recover. These include:
Medical Costs
You may be eligible to recover the cost of any medical care require as a result of injuries you sustained in the accident, including hospitalization, treatment, and follow up care.
Lost Income
If you miss time at work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover the cost of missing wages. If you were working at the time of the accident, you may qualify for workers’ compensation.
Pain and Suffering
Train accidents can be traumatic, leaving life-long emotional and physical scars. You may be able to recover compensation for the physical and emotional pain you suffer as a result of the Amtrak accident.
Wrongful Death Benefits
If your loved one passes away after an Amtrak accident, you may be eligible to file for wrongful death claims. These benefits may include the cost of a funeral or burial, the loss of income caused by their death, and the loss of support your family experiences.
Contact an Amtrak Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL Today
Amtrak accidents can be extremely traumatic for the victims involved. Whether you were working or a passenger on an Amtrak train when the accident occurred, you may be able to recover compensation.
If you were involved in an Amtrak accident, our legal team can help. We are committed to helping accident victims like you recover the damages they deserve. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we are dedicated to offering caring, responsive legal care. We answer your questions as quickly as possible and take on the legal process so you can focus on healing.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free review of your Jacksonville, FL Amtrak accident case. Call now at 1-800-747-3733.
